Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 6 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 124 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,595 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,895.

School choice matters significantly: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $38,829 while Nossi College of Art and Design graduates earn $28,236 — a $10,593 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$33,595

TN Avg. Earnings

$34,895

National Avg.

371

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Tennessee

Public Schools (4)

$35,605

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (1)

$32,925

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Tennessee produce comparable or higher early earnings for Design and Applied Arts graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$38,829

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,452

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 46.0%

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,039

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 77.0%

Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private

$32,925

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 96.4%

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,628

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 68.0%

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$32,925

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,196

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 87.1%

Nossi College of Art and Design

Nashville, TN · For-Profit

$28,236

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,478

Graduates: 42

Acceptance: 43.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Tennessee?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $38,829 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Tennessee?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $33,595 within two years of graduation. This is 4% below the national average of $34,895 for this major.

What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Tennessee?

Nossi College of Art and Design is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 43.3%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 69.6%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $32,925 vs $35,605 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,457 Chemical Engineering $66,750 Engineering, General $62,877 Computer Science $59,925 Computer Engineering $59,120 Civil Engineering $58,536 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708

All colleges in Tennessee →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.